Hand cleaning tool with removeable cleaning head

ABSTRACT

A handheld cleaning tool has a tool body with an ergonomically designed handle and cleaning head, the cleaning head extending at an obtuse angle to the handle. The cleaning head has a flexibly rigid support member with outwardly extending locking tabs located at each side of the member. The cleaning head is configured to be inserted into a mitt-like cleaning pad which substantially encompasses the cleaning head when it is fully inserted into the pad. When the cleaning head is fully within the pad, the locking tabs are immovably positioned within pockets on opposite sides of the pad. This secures the pad on the cleaning head and to the handle of the cleaning tool. The outer surfaces of the cleaning pad can accommodate an abrasive surface, a sponge-like surface, or other equivalent, commonly used cleaning surfaces. Removal and replacement of the cleaning pad from the cleaning head is accomplished by separating and opening a slit within the cleaning pad, which permits removal of the cleaning head and allows replacement with a clean pad.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are a variety of different hand cleaning tools designed to efficiently enable a user to manually clean soiled surfaces on dishes, pots, pans, utensils, and similar soiled articles. Those tools which have removeable cleaning pads, brushes, scouring material, or like cleaning elements use different means to secure the element to the tool. For instance, cleaning elements are commonly attached by serrated projections, burrs, tacks, and similar sharp extensions which dig into the cleaning material to hold it. A variety of clamps, grippers, retaining ribs and various configurations of holding devices are also used to secure cleaning elements to their tools. However, prior cleaning tools which employ the use of removable cleaning elements each have disadvantages. The attachment devices currently in use generally do not adequately retain the cleaning elements on the cleaning tools during vigorous cleaning operations. Replacement of cleaning elements is also difficult on many tools. Often the design of the tool and the position of its cleaning element restrict its versatility. Others are not ergonomically designed to allow the user to clean efficiently with the tool. In addition, the configuration of many tools does not adequately protect the hand of the user during the cleaning operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is thus the object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages and limitations of prior hand cleaning tools.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a hand cleaning tool of a configuration which solves many of the problems associated with the use of tools for cleaning soiled surfaces.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a hand cleaning tool which is safe for manual use and will eliminate risk of injury to the user during cleaning operations.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hand cleaning tool which is easy and simple to use and is ergonomically designed for efficient use.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a hand cleaning tool which is configured for use with cleaning elements of varying surfaces to allow cleaning versatility.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a hand cleaning tool which prevents its cleaning element from separating or falling off the tool, especially during vigorous usage.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hand cleaning tool which employs cleaning elements which are easily replaceable when elements need to be cleaned or replaced with new elements.

These and other objects are accomplished by the present invention, a handheld cleaning tool comprising a tool body with an ergonomically designed handle and cleaning head, the cleaning head extending at an obtuse angle to the handle. The cleaning head has a flexibly rigid support member with outwardly extending locking tabs located at each side of the member. The cleaning head is configured to be inserted into a mitt-like cleaning pad which substantially encompasses the cleaning head when it is fully inserted into the pad. When the cleaning head is fully within the pad, the locking tabs are immovably positioned within pockets on opposite sides of the pad. This secures the pad on the cleaning head and to the handle of the cleaning tool. The outer surfaces of the cleaning pad can accommodate an abrasive surface, a sponge-like surface, or other equivalent, commonly used cleaning surfaces. Removal and replacement of the cleaning pad from the cleaning head is accomplished by separating and opening a slit within the cleaning pad, which permits removal of the cleaning head and allows replacement with a clean pad.

Novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention, itself, however, both as to its design, construction and use, together with the additional features and advantages thereof, are best understood upon review of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of the cleaning tool of the present invention with its components separated.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the components of the present invention in its cleaning mode.

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the cleaning tool of the present invention in its cleaning mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hand cleaning tool 1 comprises a unitary cleaning tool body having handle 2 and cleaning head 10. Handle 2 comprises a hand-gripping section and optional finger support 3 extending from the gripping section. Cleaning head 10 consists of a flexibly rigid support member which extends outwardly at an obtuse angle from end 4 of handle 2. Cleaning head 10 also comprises outwardly extending locking tabs 14 and 16, substantially “V” shaped in configuration, located on opposite sides of the cleaning head.

Cleaning pad 20 is mitt-like in configuration, with rearward linear edge 23. Opening 24 extends the length of edge 23 and allows access into pad 20. Formed within the interior of pad 20 and on either side of it are pockets 24 and 26. It is contemplated that these pockets will be formed by sewn joints, but equivalent joint connections, e.g. tacking, glue etc. can be used. Slit 25 extends inwardly from rearward edge 23. Separating and opening slit 25 serves to expand pad 20 and its opening 24.

Pad 20, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, has two sides, one which comprises abrasive surface layer 21 and the other sponge-like surface layer 22. It is contemplated that pad 20 also can be formed with two abrasive surfaces, two sponge surfaces, one sponge and one abrasive surface, or any other combination of commonly used cleaning surfaces, e.g. scrub brush, soft cleaning pad, layer of polishing cloth, etc.

In use, cleaning head 10 is inserted into pad 20 via opening 24, such that the cleaning head is substantially encompassed by the pad. Locking tabs 14 and 16 of cleaning head 10 are immovably positioned within pockets 24 and 26 of pad 20 to maintain and lock pad 20 onto the cleaning head.

After pad 20 is positioned on cleaning head 10 and the pad is locked in place within pockets 24 and 26 via locking tabs 14 and 16, cleaning tools can be used to clean a wide variety of soiled surfaces. The versatility of the tool is increased since cleaning pad 20 has two different cleaning surfaces, e.g. an abrasive surface and a sponge surface. The locking components of the tool allow it to be used in vigorous cleaning operations, as pad 20 will not and cannot unintentionally loosen, separate, fall or be pulled off cleaning head 10. The ergonomic shape of the tool assists in efficient cleaning, while eliminating risk to the user of injury to fingers or hands.

When it is desired to change pad 20, either to clean it for reuse, discard it when it is worn out, or to replace it with a new and fresh pad, the user simply opens slit 25. This extends opening 24 outwardly, loosening the fit of pad 20 around cleaning head 10 to allow the cleaning head to be withdrawn from pad 20.

Certain novel features and components of this invention are disclosed in detail in order to make the invention clear in at least one form thereof. However, it is to be clearly understood that the invention as disclosed is not necessarily limited to the exact form and details as disclosed, since it is apparent that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. 

1. A hand cleaning tool comprising: cleaning pad means for cleaning soiled surfaces, said cleaning pad means comprising an open interior, an outer perimeter which is mitt-like in shape, a single opening along one edge and rear corners; and a cleaning tool body with a handle and a cleaning head, said cleaning head comprising a single, substantially planar support member having the same mitt-like shape as the cleaning pad means and being insertably positioned within the open interior of the cleaning pad means, whereby when the mitt-like shaped cleaning head is fully positioned within the mitt-like shape cleaning pad means, the cleaning head substantially fills the entire interior of the cleaning pad means, said cleaning head further comprising dual outwardly protruding tab means, “V” shaped in configuration, located at the backmost end, on opposite sides of the cleaning head and extending rearwardly of the cleaning head towards the handle for maintaining the cleaning head within the cleaning pad means upon insertion of the cleaning head into the opening, said cleaning pad means further comprising dual pocket means located in the rear corners of the cleaning pad means adjacent to the opening for receiving the dual tab means, the positioning of the dual tab means within the pocket means locking the cleaning head within the cleaning pad means.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The hand cleaning tool as in claim 1 wherein the cleaning head is substantially encased within the pad means when the cleaning head is fully inserted into and locked within the pad means.
 4. (canceled)
 5. (canceled)
 6. The hand cleaning tool as in claim 1 further comprising means to allow removal of the pad means from the cleaning head.
 7. The hand cleaning tool as in claim 6 wherein the means to allow removal comprises a slit extending from the opening.
 8. The hand cleaning tool as in claim 1 wherein the pad means comprises a sponge surface on at least one side thereof.
 9. The hand cleaning tool as in claim 8 wherein the pad means comprises an abrasive surface and a sponge surface.
 10. The hand cleaning tool as in claim 1 wherein the pad means comprises an abrasive surface on at least one side thereof.
 11. The hand cleaning tool as in claim 1 wherein the cleaning head extends outwardly at an obtuse angle from the handle.
 12. A hand cleaning tool comprising: cleaning tool body with a handle and a cleaning head, said cleaning head comprising a single, flexibly rigid substantially planar support member extending at an obtuse angle from the handle, said support member comprising dual locking tabs, “V” shaped in configuration, located at the backmost end, on opposite sides of the cleaning head and extending rearwardly of the cleaning head towards the handle; and cleaning pad means for insertion onto the cleaning head for cleaning soiled surfaces, said cleaning pad means comprising an open interior, a single opening along one edge, rear corners, and internal dual locking pockets located in the rear corners adjacent to the opening, whereby upon full insertion of the cleaning head within the cleaning pad means, the cleaning head substantially fills the entire interior of the cleaning pad means and the locking tabs are received by and positioned within the pockets for locking the cleaning head within the cleaning pad means.
 13. The hand cleaning tool as in claim 12 where in the pad means is mitt- like in configuration.
 14. The hand cleaning tool as in claim 12 wherein the cleaning head is substantially encased within the pad means when the cleaning head is fully inserted into and locked within the pad means.
 15. The hand cleaning tool head as in claim 14 wherein the pad means is mitt-like in configuration.
 16. (canceled)
 17. The hand cleaning tool as in claim 12 further comprising means to allow removal of the pad means from the cleaning head.
 18. The hand cleaning tool as in claim 17 wherein the means to allow removal comprises a slit extending from the opening.
 19. The hand cleaning tool as in claim 12 wherein the pad means comprises a sponge surface on at least one side thereof.
 20. The hand cleaning tool as in claim 12 wherein the pad means comprises an abrasive surface and a sponge surface.
 21. The hand cleaning tool as in claim 12 wherein the pad means comprises an abrasive surface on at least one side thereof. 